Channel 4 has pulled off something of a political coup by signing Emily Maitlis for its General Election coverage.
The award-winning journalist, 53, was lead anchor of the BBC ’s Newsnight from 2018 to 2022. She left to join Global and start The News Agents podcast with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall.
On Newsnight in 2019, Emily memorably interviewed Prince Andrew about his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with Netflix recreating the chat in its drama Scoop, starring Gillian Anderson.
But instead of returning to the Beeb for election night, Emily and the News Agents team will join Channel 4 ’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy to provide “top-tier analysis”.
The experienced presenter said of her new role: “[I’m] delighted to be bringing The News Agents to the heart of Channel 4 on this important night, and to work with such an incredible cast of people. I cannot wait.”
Krishnan, 54, said: “I’m so looking forward to joining this brilliant line-up to capture an exciting and historic night.
“We will have piercing analysis, sharp interviews and all those memorable moments as the results come in. This is going to be one of those rare election nights that we remember for decades.”
Channel 4 will also bring out many of its other top names. Presenter Cathy Newman will be live from the campaign HQs of the Conservatives and Labour, and Clare Balding will be breaking down the data.
The Rest is Politics podcast hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart will bring their own analysis, while familiar faces from Gogglebox will lighten the mood. Channel 4 is the first major broadcaster to unveil details of its General Election night coverage.